Employment Engagement Specialist

(Contract Full-time, 35 Hours/Week, until March 31, 2027)

The Organization

Spinal Cord Injury Ontario is an expert in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) community services. Founded in 1945 SCI Ontario’s mission is to “provide peer experiences, education, advocacy, and ongoing services for those impacted by spinal cord injuries.” Our Vision: Individuals impacted by spinal cord injuries thriving.

SCIO employment services are backed by decades of experience supporting individuals living with a spinal cord injury. This legacy has positioned the SCIO employment services team as leaders, serving and empowering individuals with all types of disabilities – from physical to mental and short-term to long-term. We also partner with employers in the GTA to help them fill their hiring needs and understand the all-around benefits of an inclusive and barrier-free workplace.

Job Summary

This is an existing position and an active vacancy. The Employment Engagement Specialist is an Employment Specialist position within SCIO’s Employment Services team, with a strong focus on supporting job seekers while building employer and community relationships to develop sustainable employment opportunities. This is a temporary full-time position, currently scheduled to end on March 31, 2027, with the likelihood of extension based on organizational needs.

This position is based out of our provincial office located at Sutherland Drive and Eglinton Avenue in Toronto and follows a schedule that includes on-site work and community-based activities.

Reporting to the Manager, Employment Services you will:

Outreach and Marketing

· Reaching out to the community to promote organizational services to broaden our reach to the individuals in all communities.

· Advocate on behalf of our clients to access external resources and opportunities.

· Engage potential employers matching job seekers with sustainable employment and training opportunities.

· Participate in trade shows, job fairs and community outreach activity to market SCIO Accessible Employment Services, increase client referrals, and promote community collaboration with other service agencies and resources

· Develop and maintain a selection of community service partnerships; bring to management’s attention any opportunities to formalize partnership

· As a member of the Employment Services Team, participate in SCI Ontario’s Employer Disability Awareness Training and other training services, as required.

Client-related Activities

· Work with all clients accessing Employment Services, with a particular focus on persons with disabilities and ODSP recipients, with the goal of meeting KPI targets set by the funder

· Perform needs assessments and utilize Common Assessment Tools to create a personalized Employment Action Plan

· Maintain Case Notes and documentation of client engagement, progress of completion of plan items and client progress and results

· Assess financial and support needs that are barriers to employment to determine if client supports are appropriate; process expenditures as required

· Assessment of client vocational interests, transferable skills, aptitudes and training needs to develop a realistic and attainable employment goal

· Referral to internal and external resources/supports as appropriate

· Conduct labour market research; provide one-on-one support for job matching and advocate for clients to assist them in securing interviews and employment

· Provide ongoing support to clients’ post-employment by conducting follow-ups and offering resources for job retention, career development, and advancement

· Occasionally participate in the development and delivery of workshops both online and in-person

· Conduct follow up calls at the required intervals as set by the funders

· Provide services in accordance with SCI Ontario standards

· Document all client activity and case work in accordance with SCI Ontario policies and procedures

· Provide monthly statistical and narrative reports to the Manager

· Input data into appropriate data management systems for statistical purposes

Qualifications:

Specific Competencies

Required Knowledge

· Knowledge of various disabilities and their functional/psychological implications as it relates to finding and maintaining competitive employment

· General knowledge of assistive technology and other accommodations available for people with disabilities as it relates to employment

· Knowledge relevant to legislation (i.e. AODA) and funding guidelines as it pertains to provision of employment services

· Knowledge of employment related community and social services resources for people with disabilities

· Knowledge of employment assessment, planning and support strategies, labour market trends, and job search skills

· Basic marketing and sales skills

· Computer proficiency with MS Office, databases and internet

Interpersonal Skills

· Ability to work both independently and part of a team

· Ability to motivate/empower clients towards achieving employment goals

· Ability to interact and collaborate with a variety of professionals both internally and externally to achieve desired objectives

· Ability to adjust approach/style to develop rapport and trust with clients and adjust service strategy to best suit individual needs and circumstances

Problem Solving, Judgment, Creativity

· Ability to set work objectives, develop clear action plans, and follow through on work to achieve set goals and demonstrate accountability and focus on outcomes

· Ability to balance direct client case work, administrative priorities, and other responsibilities assigned by the Manager and as per departmental plans

· Ability to prioritize tasks and adjust to changes in work flow

· Demonstrate self-initiative in daily work as well as developing/implementing strategies to support work effectiveness and creative in identifying ways to improve service delivery and outcomes

Communication Skills

· Strong verbal and written communication skills in a professional capacity

· Proficient in active and reflective listening to support effective Counselling skills

· Ability to provide oral presentations in group settings (i.e. disability awareness training to employers, orientation sessions to clients, etc.)

Education Requirements/Credentials

· A post-secondary degree or diploma in related discipline is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Experience with community relationship building.

Other

· Ability to travel reliably throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for client visits, employer meetings, and community outreach is required. A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are considered assets.

Salary Range: $54,900 – $58,000

Spinal Cord Injury Ontario is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to achieving accessibility in employment for persons with disabilities, while ensuring inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments.

SCIO is committed to equity diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment processes. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, and that everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work with a sense of belonging. We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to Indigenous peoples, members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin; persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities; persons who identify as women; and persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

Upon request, this position will require a Police Record Check and credentials verification. Reasonable and appropriate accommodation will be provided upon request and addressed confidentially during the recruitment process. We thank all applicants; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.

Your positive relationship-building skills, coupled with a solid record of dependability, commitment and passion to make a difference make you the ideal candidate for this position. If you would like to make a meaningful contribution to your community, please forward your resume and cover letter outlining your interest as related to the job posting, as well as salary expectations in confidence by August 10, 2026 to: Human Resources, SCI Ontario, 520 Sutherland Drive, Toronto, ON M4G 3V9, Fax: 416-645-3265, e-mail:hr@sciontario.org